Nokia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with du, a telecom and digital services provider in the UAE, to develop a structured framework for exploring and researching technology concepts for 6G.
This strategic collaboration will also help to drive the UAE’s national digital transformation agenda. Under the agreement, Nokia and du aim to form dedicated teams to explore 6G use cases, applications, and network innovations.
The partnership highlights both organizations’ commitment to pioneering next-generation connectivity, cementing the UAE’s position as a global leader in technological advancements and 6G research.
The collaboration will include field trials, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and research on key enablers of 6G technology. By bringing together their expertise, both organizations is set to establish and enhance technical frameworks and documentation to shape the standards, protocols, and applications for 6G evolution.
Key focus areas of the research framework:
Identifying key 6G spectrum and ultra-high-speed connectivity possibilities
AI-native network architectures and Network-as-a-Sensor technology concepts
Enhanced security, privacy measures, and sustainable network design frameworks
Digital twin environments and new human-machine interfaces
Multi-sensory applications relevant to the UAE market
These efforts will be taken in a series of phases, with regular evaluations to ensure progress and adjust priorities as needed. The parties aim to align on the key technical, regulatory, and commercial outcomes, setting the stage for subsequent phases of development, trials, and deployment.
Last year, Nokia and du announced that they have deployed the first commercial 5G Cloud RAN solution in the Middle East and Africa region (MEA Region). The deployment supports the UAE’s evolving digital requirements as well as advanced use cases, such as AI, machine learning, and industry-specific applications in manufacturing, energy, and logistics.
